Editor’s Choice – Mountain Ultra Tent by Teton Sports

The Mountain Ultra 4-Person Tent by Teton Sports is our Editor’s Choice for several reasons: 1) it’s the most affordable waterproof tent on this list, 2) the full coverage rainfly works hard to keep out heavy rain and moisture, and 3) it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Our favorite part about this tent is the extremely affordable price tag, which sits at less than $200. For a tent with this amount of high quality materials and waterproofing, that price is easily the best value for your money of all the best waterproof tents on this list.

One of the first things we look for in a waterproof tent is a full coverage rainfly. It will out-perform a 1/4 coverage, 1/2 coverage, or 3/4 coverage rainfly any day, so it’s one of the best qualities in a tent that’s truly waterproof.

As you can see in the picture above, this tent does have the large rainfly, so you know it’s ready for all kinds of adverse weather. Under that rainfly is tons of high quality mesh, which makes it a great option for those warmer, dry nights as well.

Some other favorite features are the hassle-free, quick and easy setup, double doors with full vestibules for gear storage, vents in the rainfly for air circulation, and the three color options so you can pick your favorite look.

All these great features are covered by a lifetime warranty, so you’re protected in case there’s any defects.

Our only complaint about this tent isn’t really a true downside, but we would love to see this tent available in larger capacity options. Even though it’s considered a 4-person tent, it can really only comfortably sleep 2-3 people, so we would love to see some larger, more family friendly sizes come available.

Best Waterproof Ultralight Backpacking Tent – Hornet OSMO Ultralight 1P Tent by NEMO

The Hornet OSMO Ultralight 1P Tent by NEMO is one of the highest rated tents online and it’s the best option if you’re looking for a waterproof ultralight backpacking tent. At less than 2.5 pounds, it’s super light, has a full rainfly that keeps out water, and is protected by a lifetime warranty.

Normally backpacking tents offer about 15-18 square feet per person, but this 1-person tent has 22.3 square feet of interior space. This makes it actually quite large for a 1 person tent, but the weight is still so light that it stays in the ultralight category. You’ll find that you’re more comfortable with just a little bit more room to spread out.

Let’s talk about waterproofing. The rainfly immediately stands out and its 1200mm waterhead rating makes it waterproof. The floor fabric is a little higher at 1500mm, which helps keep water from seeping in from below.

It’s pretty common to see a full cover rainfly in smaller backpacking tents, but what stands out about this model is the super high customer reviews. It consistently gets 5 star ratings, making it stand out above other popular ultralight tents like the Hubba Hubba and Copper Spur. As a bonus, the price tag is significally lower than these competitors, and it’s also more lightweight, includes more square feet, and features a smaller packed size than they do.

Some other cool standout features include, but aren’t limited to: the tent fabric is made from 100% recycled yarns that don’t have added flame-retardant chemicals, it includes a stuff sack that compresses the tent down to a super compact size, and volumizing guyouts keep your sleeping bag from touching the sides of the tent.

Best Waterproof Tent for Families – Wawona 8 by The North Face

The Wawona series by The North Face are some of our favorite tents of all time, and their Wawona 8 is the best waterproof option for families who need more space. We also love the oversized vestibule, three access doors, and the included lifetime warranty.

Once you start getting into larger, family-sized tents, a lot of manufacturers start to cut corners in order to keep the price lower. One of the first things to go is usually the waterproofing, but that’s not the case with the Wawona 8.

The fabrics on this tent are all waterproof, with a 1200mm hydrostatic head rating that keeps out moisture from all points. The rainfly is full coverage in the front so you can have the oversized vestibule for gear storage, but the rainfly on the sides and back sits higher up so that you can still access some mesh areas for airflow.

This means it perfectly balances coverage and ventilation, so you can be comfortable in a wide variety of weather conditions and temperatures. Plus, the pre-attached guylines make it easy to add some stability when the wind picks up.

So what are some features that makes this tent great for families? Besides the roomy interior, it also has a removable divider to create two separate rooms and three access doors so you can get in and out without having to crawl over gear or people.

This tent is really high quality, well-designed, and built to last, which brings us to its main downside: the price. It’s one of the most expensive options on this list, but its size and quality make it worth the cost. To see more family tents, check out the best large tents for families.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 8
• Other Sizes Available: 4-person, 6-person
• Waterhead Rating: 1200mm
• Dimensions: 168″ x 96″ (14ft x 8ft)
• Square Feet: 112 sq.ft.
• Weight: 24 lbs. 3 oz.
• Max Height: 78″ (6.5 ft.)
• Fabric: 75D canopy and rainfly, 150D floor
• Poles: DAC MX Aluminum
• Warranty: Lifetime

Best Waterproof 2 Person Tent – Mineral King by Mountain Hardwear

The Mineral King 2P Tent by Mountain Hardwear is a really versatile tent that can be used for car camping or backpacking. We were impressed by its high quality materials and dark mesh for stargazing, as well as its 2000mm waterproof rainfly that’s ready for all kinds of adverse weather.

A significant part of this tent’s allure lies in its high waterhead rating. This guarantees it can withstand heavy rain, keeping you dry and comfortable even during significant downpours. You no longer have to dread an unforeseen rainstorm during your camping trip because the Mineral King 2 is designed to keep you dry when the weather turns.

When the rainfly is attached but the weather is nice, you can roll the rain fly back and secure it halfway. This provides shade during the day and lets you stargaze at night, but then the rainfly easily rolls down and back into place if needed.

But it’s not just about its water-resistant capabilities – this tent truly excels in providing an enjoyable camping experience. The Mineral King 2 comes with a spacious interior and large vestibules that offer ample space for gear storage. This feature ensures that you don’t have to compromise on your comfort while accommodating your gear within your tent.

The main downside of this tent is the weight, which is 6 lbs. (or 5 lbs. 2.7oz. trail weight). It’s a little on the heavier side for backpacking, so it’s better off as a car camping tent that moonlights as a backpacking tent when you need it occasionally.

P.S. – This tent also made our list for best stargazing tent because of all its dark mesh!

Specifications

• Capacity: 2
• Other Sizes Available: 3-person
• Waterhead Rating: 2000mm
• Dimensions: 88″ x 54″ (7.3ft x 4.5ft)
• Square Feet: 33 sq.ft.
• Weight: 6 lbs.
• Max Height: 43″ (3.5 ft.)
• Fabric: 40D canopy, 68D floor and rainfly
• # of Doors: 2
• Poles: DAC Pressfit aluminum
• Warranty: Lifetime

Best Waterproof 4 Person Tent – Alpha Breeze By Snow Peak

The Alpha Breeze by Snow Peak seamlessly combines remarkable waterproofing features with high levels of comfort and stability. Not only does it have a high waterproof rating and a full coverage rain fly, but it also boasts awesome features like four entry points, a vestibule that can be converted into an awning, a tall max height, and more.

The full coverage waterproof rainfly boasts a 1800mm hydrostatic head rating, and the superbly designed floor material has a whopping 5,000mm rating. This means all the fabrics on this tent are extremely waterproof, plus the large rainfly protects against sideways heavy rain and strong winds.

One of the biggest stand-out features on this tent is the fact that it has not one or two doors, but four doors. Whether the rainfly is attached or not, you can access this tent from all four sides. There’s one main door with vestibule, a slightly smaller back door, and two small side access doors.

Our second favorite feature is the 73 inch interior height (6ft.1in.), which is enough space for the average camper to stand upright. Due to the dome shape, you can’t stand up in the entire tent, but nonetheless this is a nice feature on a smaller four person tent.

Our only complaint about this tent is the 1 year warranty. With this level of quality and the elevated price tag, we would have liked to see a lifetime warranty instead.

P.S. – this tent is really built to withstand the elements, which is why it made our list for the best tent for high winds.

Specifications

• Capacity: 4
• Waterhead Rating: 1800mm fly, 5000mm floor
• Dimensions: 109.2″ x 102″ (8.1ft x 8.5ft)
• Square Feet: 68.85 sq.ft.
• Weight: 24 lbs. 3.2 oz.
• Max Height: 73″ (6ft. 1in.)
• # of Doors: 4
• Fabric: 68D canopy, 75D rainfly, 300D floor
• Poles: Duralumin
• Warranty: 1 Year

Best Waterproof 6 Person Tent – Habitude 6 by MSR

The Habitude 6 by MSR is a star performer when it comes to six-person waterproof tents, and it offers stellar waterproof capabilities thanks to its large rainfly and high waterhead rating. In fact, the 10,000mm rating on the floor fabric is the highest number on our list.

You can see in the pictures above that this rainfly extends almost all the way to the ground. This keeps the interior dry even in the harshest of rains, and it also makes for a spacious vestibule that keeps your gear and shoes dry.

Built to withstand the elements, the Habitude 6 features strong, aircraft-grade aluminum poles. This construction ensures the tent’s stability even in strong winds. Furthermore, the color-coded poles, clips, and webbing simplify the setup process, an appreciated feature when setting up camp after an active day outdoors.

Space and storage are other strong points for the Habitude 6. This tent offers an expansive living area that sleeps up to six campers, coupled with plenty of room to stow your gear. The extra space ensures that you can relax and enjoy the camping experience without feeling cramped.

As with many of the high quality waterproof tents on this list, the biggest downside of this tent is the price. It’s another incredibly well-designed tent, which means it’s going to have a higher cost than some other lower quality options.

Specifications

• Capacity: 6
• Waterhead Rating: 1500 rainfly, 10,000mm floor
• Dimensions:120″ x 100″ (10ft. x 8ft.4in.)
• Square Feet:  83 sq ft
• Weight: 14 lbs.
• Max Height:  73″ (6ft.1in.)
• Fabric: 68D polyester
• Tent Poles: 7000-series aluminum
• Warranty: Lifetime

Quickest Setup – T4 Hub by Gazelle

The Gazelle T4 Hub Tent is the leader in the quick setup category, making it our top pick for those looking for both rapid setup and excellent waterproofing. With its unique hub design, the tent can be pitched in just a few minutes, plus it comes equipped with a 2000mm shell and 5000mm floor that’s doesn’t compromise on weather protection.

Not only does this tent have high waterproof ratings, but it also has some of the thickest fabrics on this list. That makes it a little heavier, but the fabrics will last longer and the tent can still be set up easily and quickly.

The Gazelle T4 does not skimp on space, despite its easy and rapid setup design. It can comfortably sleep four people, and its peak height allows most users to stand up straight inside, adding another layer of comfort to the camping experience.

Unique to the Gazelle T4 is its full-panel rainfly. It goes beyond the usual coverage to extend protection from heavy rain and wind from the sides. Despite its encompassing protection, the tent ensures a continuous supply of fresh air thanks to its two D-shaped doors with tight-weave mesh screens and four windows that also provide panoramic views.

Our chief complaint about this tent is the fiberglass poles, which won’t typically last as long as metal ones. That being said, this feature does help keep the price down, so the fiberglass poles will work in most situations.

Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free camping experience without sacrificing the assurance of staying dry and protected from the elements.

Specifications

• Capacity: 4
• Other Capacities: 3-person, 8-person
• Waterproof Rating: 2000mm shell, 5000m floor
• Dimensions: 94″ x 94″ (7ft.10in. x 7ft.10in.)
• Square Feet: 61 sq.ft.
• Weight: 30 lbs.
• Max Height: 78″ (6.5 ft.)
• Fabric: 210D tent shell, 300D floor
• Tent Poles: Fiberglass
• Warranty: 1 Year

Best Waterproof Canvas – Kodiak 10×10 Flex Bow Deluxe

The Flex-Bow Deluxe Tent by Kodiak Canvas takes the crown in the category of waterproof canvas tents, which leverages the natural water resistance and breathability of cotton canvas. It’s a worthy choice for campers who appreciate the unique benefits of canvas but still value an awesome waterproof camping tent that has a quick and straightforward setup.

Canvas is a great tent material, but you won’t see it at the campground very often. That being said, it has remarkable natural qualities that you will love, plus the material can last a lifetime if it’s cared for properly. That means it could be one of the last waterproof camping tents you’ll ever need to buy!

Kodiak uses a silicone-based waterproof layer that imbues the canvas with an additional layer of waterproofing while maintaining its natural breathability, ensuring that you stay dry without feeling stifled inside. This means it’s waterproof right out of the box, and you don’t have to worry about condensation build up, even in colder weather.

Despite being made of heavy-duty material, the Flex Bow boasts a setup time that’s comparable to many lighter nylon tents. This is thanks to its Flex-Bow frame, which is both robust and easy to erect. This frame is constructed with sturdy 1-inch steel tubing and rods, so it offers impressive structural integrity and can hold up against strong winds and snow loads

The Flex-Bow tent also features a large awning that provides shade and a covered entry, keeping the interior of the tent dry when entering or exiting during a rain shower. Furthermore, the two large D-shaped doors (front and back) and four large windows with no-see-um mesh provide excellent ventilation and reduce condensation, a common issue in many of the best waterproof tents.

The only downside of this tent is that the durability and weather-resistance that come with canvas tents also brings added weight. At 68 pounds, this is the heaviest tent on this list by a long shot, but we think it’s worth it for the added durability and lifelong qualities of canvas.

Specifications

• Capacity: 6-person
• Other Sizes Available: 9’x8′, 10’x14′
• Waterproof Rating: waterproof canvas
• Dimensions: 10’x10′
• Square Feet: 100 sq.ft.
• Weight: 68 lbs.
• Max Height: 6’6″
• Fabric: 8.5-10 oz. Hydra-shield canvas
• Poles: Galvanized steel
• Warranty: Lifetime

OK, But Not as Good – Coleman Evanston

The Coleman Evanston is a popular option among campers, and with good reason. It offers decent weather protection, ample space, and a relatively easy setup process. The Evanston features the WeatherTec system, Coleman’s patented technology with welded floors and inverted tent seams to keep water out.

However, when it comes to the aspect of waterproofing and overall quality, the other tents on this list have a noticeable edge. The rainfly on the Coleman Evanston does not provide full coverage, which could be a limitation in heavy or persistent heavy rain.

Furthermore, Coleman doesn’t provide a waterproof rating for their tents, which makes us suspicious that it’s not up to par. While being good for mild conditions, this tent fabric might not hold up as well as the more robust materials used in the other tents on this list.

Similarly, while Coleman Evanston’s fiberglass poles are adequate for standard camping conditions, they may not fare as well in high wind situations as the more durable aluminum or steel poles found in our top picks. It’s worth noting that fiberglass poles, while lightweight and economical, are generally not as robust or durable as their metal counterparts.

The Coleman Evanston is a solid tent, making it a decent choice for those new to camping or for occasional use in fair to moderate conditions. However, for those who often camp in diverse or challenging weather conditions, or are looking for a tent with superior waterproofing and durability, the other options in this list are undoubtedly worth the extra investment.

If you normally choose Coleman because of its affordable price tag, perhaps consider the Mountain Ultra by Teton Sports above (our Editor’s Choice). It’s actually a better price but it still offers the more durable qualities we like to see in a waterproof camping tent.

Note: Check out best tents with screen room if you want more options with that awesome bug-free space.

Specifications

• Capacity: 6-person
• Other Capacities: 8-person
• Waterproof Rating: WeatherTec
• Dimensions: 10′ x 9′
• Square Feet: 90 sq.ft. (plus 50 sq.ft. screen room)
• Screen Room: 10′ x 5′
• Weight: 20 lbs.
• Max Height: 68″ (5 ft. 8in.)
• Tent Poles: Fiberglass
• Warranty: 1 Year